When building remote engineering teams in Latin America, many companies start by looking at Brazil. As the region’s largest tech hub, Brazil offers both scale and depth for international hiring. However, understanding where the tech talent is concentrated helps companies make smarter hiring decisions and optimize for retention and cost.
Brazil is not a single market when it comes to technology. Each region has its own tech ecosystem and advantages, from cost-effective hubs to advanced research centers and high retention locations. Below are six key cities every global company should consider when hiring software engineers in Brazil.
São Paulo
São Paulo is the largest technology market in Brazil and attracts companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and numerous local unicorns. With the widest talent pool and an established startup scene, it is also the most competitive in terms of demand and compensation. For U.S. companies, the cost of hiring software engineers in Brazil is a crucial part of the decision process, especially when compared to local salary standards and the financial advantages of the PJ model.
Recife
Located in the northeast, Recife is home to Porto Digital, one of Latin America’s largest innovation districts. The city’s strong ties with universities, like the Federal University of Pernambuco, produce a steady pipeline of tech talent. Many U.S. and European companies already tap into Recife for skilled software engineers at competitive rates. Companies often succeed here by leveraging flexible hiring models and compliance with local regulations, particularly when working with contractors (PJ). For organizations interested in the practical aspects of onboarding contractors, more details are available on our contractor hiring services page.
Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre is known for its mature tech ecosystem, global companies, and a large community of backend, DevOps, and infrastructure specialists.
Engineers here tend to value stability and long-term relationships with employers, making Porto Alegre a good choice for companies prioritizing retention. The region’s time zone also aligns well with U.S. business hours, making collaboration more efficient for distributed teams.
Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is home to UFMG, one of the nation’s best universities in computer science. The local ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with startups, research centers, and R&D hubs from companies like Google and LocalizaLabs. As the market is less saturated than São Paulo, companies often find it easier to retain senior developers who are motivated by challenging projects and opportunities to participate in the global market.
Florianópolis
Florianópolis stands out for its lifestyle, quality of life, and thriving startup environment led by ACATE. Many experienced engineers here have worked internationally and are attracted to remote-first roles. The city is well known for its high density of remote-ready, English-speaking professionals. For companies looking for highly independent, senior engineers who excel in distributed teams, Florianópolis is a prime location. Professionals who work as contractors here often benefit from a structure that offers both flexibility and international exposure.
Manaus
Manaus, in the North, is often overlooked but plays a strategic role thanks to the presence of Samsung’s R&D center. It attracts engineers specialized in embedded systems and mobile technologies. The city offers access to unique skillsets that are not always found in the larger tech markets.
Why geography matters
Knowing where to look allows companies to optimize their hiring process — whether to reduce costs, target niche expertise, or maximize retention.
Each Brazilian region has different salary expectations, communication styles, and engagement patterns. Local tax regulations and hiring structures can also impact the cost-effectiveness of building a nearshore team.
Professionals across the country are increasingly seeking global opportunities, embracing new ways of working and finding innovative paths to boost their income through remote contracts with international companies.
For a complete guide on hiring structures, cost comparisons, compliance, and maximizing your investment in Brazilian tech talent, download our ebook below.
